‘Escape From Planet Earth’ is a great experience for both parents and children alike, because it delivers a strong message of team work and family unity all wrapped in an adorable, funny and cool package. We love our animated films and this one does not disappoint, a great extra is that there are three Latinos playing big roles here; more proof that this year is great for Latinos in Hollywood. The 3D is a definite plus, that really enhances the experience of Planet Babb and its inhabitants. The movie is a truly fun intergalactic trip that has just the right cast and ingredients to provide a short and sweet outing to the movies with the family.

In the very futuristic Planet Babb, superstar astronaut Scorch Supernova (Brendan Fraser) is admired for his heroic tasks; which he accomplishes thanks to his genius brother Gary (Rob Corddry). Scorch’s boss, Lena (Jessica Alba) sends him to the dangerous “Dark Planet” aka Planet Earth, where he faces general James Bing (Ricky Gervais) and he will need the help of his brother Gary, his nephew Kip (Jonathan Morgan Heit) and Kira (Sarah Jessica Parker) in order to come back home.

The look of the movie is just cool, with a futuristic Jetsons like environment and adorably ugly blue aliens, which all pops out in wonderful colorful images. The movie is not as funny as I expected it to be, but it does have a handful of laugh out loud moments aimed both at children and adults. My favorite part of it all is the main message it gives off, which is that we need teamwork in order to accomplish heroic tasks and that with our family’s trust and support we can do anything.

The cast is a great combination of well-known comedy actors even besides the main cast; we have Jane Lynch, Craig Robinson and a great mix of big name Latinos: Jessica Alba is Lena, the beautiful and intelligent chief at BASA, Sofia Vergara plays Gabby the hot and spicy anchor for BNN News, and finally George Lopez a three-eyed slug alien named Thurman; so keep an eye out for them. It is fantastic to see this kind of collaboration in a film that holds such a powerful message. Director Cal Brunker stroke gold providing a great product.

This is an out of this world adventure to enjoy with the family this Valentine’s day; it holds an original storyline that will keep you entertained. The film was so well crafted that it gives everyone in the audience something they are sure to like. Read our interview with some of the film’s cast here!

“Nine” tells the story of world famous film director Guido Contini, who faces a personal and professional crisis as he struggles to prepare his latest picture, while balancing the numerous women in his life — his wife, his mistress, his movie star muse, his costume designer, a fashion journalist, a whore from his childhood, and his mother.

The film is being shot in England at Shepperton Studios, and in Italy on location and at Cinecitta Studios in Rome.

Recently we heard many conversations about Hollywood being recession-proof. Doesn’t look like that’s the case for big honcho Harvey Weinstein, owner of The Weinsten Company. This goes to show you that no one is escaping the topsy-turvy times of the economy.

The Weinstein Co. has succumbed to the economic pressure by laying off 11% of its staff, or 24 people.

The indie outfit is slimming down from 224 people to 200. The cuts affected all departments in offices in Gotham, L.A., the U.K. and Hong Kong.

No offices or departments are being shuttered. Staffers were notified of the layoffs Friday afternoon.

Formed three years ago by Harvey and Bob Weinstein with more than $1 billion in backing from Goldman Sachs and other investors, TWC has had a bumpy ride. After a spate of deals across the media spectrum yielded spotty results, the company refocused on its film slate and has touted its official detachment in January from distrib partner MGM and a pay TV deal with Showtime.

The Weinstein slate, however, has not borne a lot of fruit. “Zack and Miri Make a Porno,” the Kevin Smith-helmed comedy released on Halloween, is the latest under-performer. Woody Allen’s “Vicki Cristina Barcelona” is the only notable pic to far exceed expectations in 2008.

As the company seeks to get into a theatrical groove, it’s also been hit with a wave of staff turnover. Senior-level vets Glen Basner (international sales), Michelle Krumm (production) and Maeva Gatineau (U.K. acquisitions) are among those who have exited in recent months.

Matthew Frankel, who spent just a few months heading corporate communications, departed in the spring (he’s since resurfaced at AOL) and has not officially been replaced.